In a groundbreaking move, Microsoft has officially launched its immersive 3D meetings inside Microsoft Teams, bringing a touch of mixed reality to the world of virtual collaboration. The integration of Microsoft Mesh, the company’s mixed reality platform, has transitioned from preview to reality, allowing Teams users to convene in virtual spaces, whether or not they possess a virtual reality (VR) headset.
Microsoft Teams users can now experience 3D meetings, offering a corporate twist on the social virtual reality (VR) experiences reminiscent of AltspaceVR. The 3D Mesh meetings in Teams are designed to work optimally with VR headsets, with current support limited to Meta’s Quest devices.
Having had the opportunity to experience Mesh inside Microsoft Teams late last year, users can anticipate features that echo the social dynamics of a physical office. The spatial audio feature, for instance, replicates the ability to engage in private conversations by moving away from colleagues in a virtual space. Customizable 3D environments open the door to interactive activities, such as games or icebreaker questions tailored for remote colleagues.
To access the full spectrum of standard Mesh features, including immersive spaces in Teams, users will need to be on Microsoft Teams business plans. For those looking to deploy custom immersive spaces, a Teams Premium license becomes a prerequisite, ensuring a tailored and premium virtual meeting experience.
Table 1: Licensing Requirements for Microsoft Mesh in Teams
| Feature | Licensing Requirement |
|---|---|
| Standard Mesh Features | Microsoft Teams Business Plan |
| Custom Immersive Spaces | Teams Premium License |
While Microsoft highlights companies like Accenture, BP, Takeda, and Mercy Ships as current users of Mesh, the adoption rate remains modest. These organizations represent a fraction of the vast array of companies utilizing Teams daily. The integration of Mesh into Teams is seen as a strategic move, potentially positioning Mesh as a feature within Teams rather than an independent platform.
Microsoft Mesh was introduced nearly three years ago, and its integration into Teams aligns with initial predictions that it could be the virtual future of Microsoft Teams meetings. Despite its origins as a platform allowing developers to tap into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, Mesh’s assimilation into Teams appears to be a natural progression.
The question of widespread business adoption for virtual meetings utilizing these immersive technologies remains. The success of Microsoft Mesh in Teams will likely hinge on how well businesses in South Africa and beyond embrace the incorporation of virtual reality and mixed reality experiences for their collaborative needs.
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